Counter Intelligence
Which of today’s best-selling countertop materials to choose for your new home?
Here’s a short buyer’s guide.
Meet the Maestro
Some builders call them job supervisors. Others refer to them as project managers, or PMs.
What Home Are You?
Production, custom or in between? The answer depends on your priorities. If you have done any research into new homes, you’re likely familiar with the three categories of homes and builders: production, semi-custom and…
First Impressions
The best builders know that the initial meeting is about earning your trust A big factor in someone’s choice of a builder is their comfort with the first person they meet from the company,…
The Regulatory Minefield
Government red tape takes time, money and skill to navigate. That’s why you need a pro. Some people don’t realize how highly regulated the construction business has become. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the costs of complying with government regulations now account for nearly a quarter (24.3%) of new home prices—30% more than just five years ago.
The Super Kitchen
Recent research shows what homeowners want in this crucial room. Although the design of a custom home is a personal statement, most people give at least some thought to market appeal. For this, the…
Estimating Time
The work of building a price and schedule for your custom home is a project in itself. There’s a reason that quality project estimates don’t happen overnight. Every home is a collection of thousands…
It’s Always Sunny in TV Land
Home shows don’t reflect the reality of building a new home. Who doesn’t love a good drama, especially one they can imagine themselves a part of? With that in mind, it’s no surprise that home and garden shows enjoy loyal viewership, and that HGTV has earned a spot as one of the top ten cable networks.
The Importance of Structure
Framing details have a big impact on all aspects of a new home. Most people don’t think much about their home’s structural skeleton—unless there’s a problem. Small mistakes made during the framing stage can cause headaches later on that range from annoyances to health issues.
Hidden Benefits of Building New
The advantages of a new home go beyond the obvious. The allure of a new home fires the imagination and ignites the spirit. We’ve all dreamed of living in a home with our version of the perfect gourmet kitchen, a beautifully appointed office, and a luxurious master suite.
Budgets · Home Building · News
Controlling Project Costs
A successfully managed budget is a partnership between the builder and the homeowners. Custom builders work hard to make sure their clients get the home they want at a price they can afford. Cost-control strategies include value-engineering the structure, writing clear product specifications, and managing the construction in the most efficient manner possible.
Home Price Reality Check
Consulting with a builder before drawing the plans will save expense and headaches. Most custom builders have had clients show up at their office with a set of finished plans that, in reality, will cost 25% to 30% more than the clients’ target budget. Fortunately, this problem is easily avoided.
The Problem with Competitive Bidding
Some big obstacles stand in the way of the three-bid advice. Folk wisdom, online articles, and basic instincts advise homeowners to solicit bids from several qualified contractors.
The New Science of Building
In ancient times—30 or so years ago—someone with basic construction knowledge could build a serviceable home. No more. Today, the combination of contemporary building materials and code-mandated construction practices have made homes more complex with less margin for error.
Why Builders Must Be Learners
Continuing education is no longer optional. What do today’s best builders have in common? Although the answer includes many items, there’s a common thread running through each of them: a commitment to ongoing learning. The know-how needed to build high-performance, durable homes is evolving faster than ever.
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